0
0
February 11, 2009
The Fiesta Movement: Are You Game?
Neuwerks
While taking photos of the upcoming 2010 Ford Fiesta, Brian Hjelt (from Neuwerks) and I had the opportunity to talk with Chantel Lenard, who is currently Ford’s marketing manager for small and midsized cars. During the conversation we asked her a few questions about the marketing that will promote a car that previously wouldn’t be of interest to the American market.
Currently Ford is working on a program called the Fiesta Movement, with which they intend to select up to 100 “tech-savvy” enthusiasts to drive a Fiesta during a period of months prior to it’s US release. Drivers involved in this challenge will report back their experiences on social networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. I personally am interested in this new marketing move from Ford, as I can’t honestly think of one person that has purchased a car based upon what was said or shown in normal marketing tools.
Most people I know actually get automotive advice from social media, blogs, what friends say online, or sometimes by what people they follow on Twitter or Facebook drive. For many of the Younger car buyers, social networking is the only way they share experiences, and get working advice for issues they want resolved. Ford’s Chantel Lenard said that tools like Facebook and Twitter can be seen as the modern equivalent of getting advice from a trusted neighbor over the fence.
This kind of forward thinking by Ford may be what sets them apart from the dated marketing strategies of their competitors. What’s more, Ford will actually be listening to feedback about the experiences to help better the Fiesta, and continue to advance the growing small car segment!
Do You Like Rock Band This Much?
Neuwerks
For you diehard Rock Band players out there, Chevrolet has your ultimate setup in the form of a totally tricked-out Silverado. This mobile Rock Band entertainment system features lifted suspension, four doors, a trusty 4WD system, and enough subwoofers to crack the moon. All of these features combined together will let anyone get their game on almost anywhere!
Besides the amazing integration of the video game setup, there were some other interesting details such as the guitar neck shaped external mirrors, and copious use of police-style lighting throughout the entire truck. This interesting contribution to the show was a working proof of concept showing that you can truly take your Rock Band setup almost anyplace you like!
Spyker the Unknown Euro at Chicago
Neuwerks
Not many people think of the Netherlands when they hear the phrase exotic car, however, that small corner of Europe does have one exceptional vehicle whose US identity can be as shrouded as the vehicle pictured below. I have never seen one of these cars in person. My only experiences has been from web pictures, and in simulation mode on Grand Turismo on my PS2. Thankfully they have brought a couple examples of this car to the show, and I aim to spend some time looking them over. For those unaware, this car was the first widely available (in Europe) production car to feature a Mid Engined Audi 4.2L V8 engine, predating Audi’s own R8.
